Nelson alumna awarded scholarship to attend One Young World Summit

Maria Castillo, a 2017 graduate of the Nelson Institute’s undergraduate major program, has received an Audi Scholarship to attend the One Young World Summit in Bogota, Colombia in October 2017.

The annual summit brings together talented, young leaders from global and national companies, non-profits, universities and other forward-thinking organizations to grapple with the world’s biggest challenges. Delegates from 196 countries will have the opportunity to meet and make lasting connections with peers from almost every industry, sector and country.

In addition to being chosen to attend the highly competitive summit, Castillo is one of 10 people to receive the Audi Scholarship. With a focus on digitalization, urbanization and sustainability, the scholarship program will give Castillo access to networking opportunities, support materials and full accommodations for the summit.

“This is the largest and most important conference for youth, and I feel so honored to be able to attend,” says Castillo. “There will be delegates from all over the world and incredible speakers, I can’t imagine a better opportunity.”

This is the first time the One Young World Summit is being held in a Latin American country. Castillo, who is from Colombia, is looking forward to the opportunity to bring her global experiences home.

“I am so looking forward to connecting with young leaders and representatives from my home country!” Castillo says.

Before graduating, Castillo received the 2017 Wisconsin Without Borders Peter Bosscher Award for her work with UpTica a 501c3 non-profit that provides rural women with training and an alternative income sources through upcycling waste into new, sustainable products for sale.